The King's birthday is celebrated at the Royal Palace of Stockholm

On Tuesday 30 April, The King's birthday was celebrated according to tradition with music and performances in the Outer Courtyard.

The King's birthday is celebrated in the Outer Courtyard. Photo: royalcourt.se

A couple of thousand people had gathered to congratulate The King on his 67th birthday. The Swedish Navy's Music Corps performed a programme, which was followed by music from the Armed Forces Music Corps, a 21-gun salute from Skeppsholmen, Changing of the Guard and music from the Life Guards' Dragoon Music Corps.

The King received flowers and drawings from the children. Photo: royalcourt.se

To end the celebrations, a long line of children stood waiting with flowers and drawings. The Queen and Princess Madeleine watched the celebrations from one of the palace balconies. Prince Carl Philip was in the Outer Courtyard during the celebrations. Lists were available in the Hall of State for those who wanted to pass on their birthday wishes to The King. The Armed Forces Music Corps provided musical entertainment with a wind quintet, performing pieces by composers including Rasmussen, Mozart and Haydn. Messages of congratulations to The King could also be left via the Royal Court's Facebook page or using the Royal Court website message form. Programme for celebrations in the Outer Courtyard 11:15 Entry of the Navy's Music Corps. 11:40 Entry of the Armed Forces Music Corps and the Navy's Music Corps. 11:45 The King comes through the West Gate, and approaches and receives the Main Guard. The Armed Forces Music Corps plays a parade march. The King then proceeds to the Commandant-General's reception in the Main Guard Wing. 11:48-12:15 The Music Corps performs a musical programme. 12:00 A twenty-one gun salute is fired from Skeppsholmen. 12:20 The King comes out into the Outer Courtyard from the Main Guard Wing. 12:23-12:40 The incoming Main Guard rides in, following behind the Life Guards' Dragoon Music Corps. Children had the opportunity to present flowers to The King.